Where innovation meets the end zone: CU Boulder honors faculty in game-day spotlight
On crisp fall Saturdays in Boulder, the roar of the crowd, the clash of helmets, and the pride of Buffs fill Folsom Field. But this season, something new is echoing through the stadium. Amid the cheers and touchdowns, CU Boulder is shining a spotlight on a different kind of champion: the End Zone Innovator.
Launched this fall, the End Zone Innovators Award is a bold new tradition that brings together the university’s academic excellence and athletic spirit. At each home football game, one faculty member is honored for their outstanding scholarly or creative achievements—work that has “scored big” in their department, within their discipline, and for CU Boulder.
During the game, the honoree is recognized in the end zone by Chancellor Justin Schwartz, with their accomplishments broadcast on the stadium’s video board. Surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, they receive a token of appreciation and enjoy a memorable game-day experience.
“This program is about celebrating the heart of our university—our faculty,” said Chancellor Schwartz. “By honoring their achievements in front of tens of thousands of Buffs fans, we’re showing that innovation is something that unites us across the CU Boulder community — whether in athletics, academics, research or creative work.”
A collaboration between the Office of the Chancellor, Office of the Provost, Office of Faculty Affairs, CU Athletics, and Strategic Relations & Communications, this initiative is designed to bridge the worlds of scholarship and sport, providing a unique platform to showcase faculty achievements to the broader CU Boulder community. It is a celebration of CU Boulder’s mission and a reminder that innovation happens everywhere—from the lab to the lecture hall to the end zone.
Honoree Highlights
The season thus far has recognized six faculty members for their outstanding scholarly and creative achievements and their dedication to our university:
- Marina Vance, associate professor of mechanical engineering
- Joëlle Cruz, associate professor of communication
- Ross Taylor, associate professor of journalism
- Nicholas Reinholtz, assistant professor of business
- Katherine Stange, professor of mathematics
- Pieter Johnson, distinguished professor of ecology & evolutionary biology
What’s Next
The End Zone Innovators program will wrap up this season with its final recognition on Nov. 22. Kalonji Nzinga, assistant professor of education, will be honored during the last home game against Arizona State University. Looking ahead, the initiative will return next season, continuing to showcase faculty whose work makes a lasting impact on campus and beyond. Stay tuned for future opportunities to recognize faculty excellence across CU Boulder, as well as special staff recognition events associated with CU basketball coming up this season.